Martin County has reached a one-year emergency contract with MTM Transit, LLC to restore MARTY public transportation services in phases, starting with riders who depend on ADA paratransit. The Martin County Board of Commissioners announced the agreement Tuesday after an abrupt service disruption last month.
The county expects ADA paratransit services to resume Thursday for people with disabilities who cannot use regular fixed-route buses. Restoring fixed-route service will follow the initial focus on paratransit riders. Riders can call 772-463-2822 for scheduling and reservation information, according to the county.
MARTY service stopped last month after the previous operator withdrew from its contract because of rising operating costs, leaving many riders without regular bus service. The county characterized the prior vendor’s action as a contract breach and said the emergency agreement would allow a phased return of public transportation.
Martin County Transit Administrator Ash Beecher said the county’s priority is to restore transportation as quickly and responsibly as possible, with particular attention to residents who rely on it for essential needs and to fiscal responsibility to taxpayers. Beecher acknowledged the disruption to riders and the broader community and said the county is working to reestablish service in a coordinated manner.